IC 2488

(in collaboration with Ezequiel Bellocchio - AstroPilar)

OPEN CLUSTER IN VELA

(ra: 09h 27' 31"/ dec -56º 59')

January 2013, -  Image acquisition by Ezequiel Bellocchio - Astro Pilar, Buenos Aires - Argentina

DATA

TYPE: Open Cluster

Apparent Magnitude: 7

APPARENT DIAMETER: 18 arc minutes

DISTANCE: 4077 light years or 1250 +/- 120 pc

IMAGE INFORMATION

SCOPE: Orion Optics ODK 10" Astrograph  

CAMERA: FLI ML 8300

FILTERS: Baader LRGB Set

SKY CONDITIONS: Urban Skies

EXPOSURES: LRGB (60,30,30,30) - RGB bin 2x2

OBJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMAGE SESSION

Deep south and close to the border of the constellation of Vela and Carina, we found this colorful and bright open galactic cluster. Although some studies were been published I could not find much color images of this object. It was discovered by French astronomer Nicholas Louis de Lacaille in 1725 from South Africa.

IC 2488 is a good target for binoculars and telescopes and it is very easy to find. It is almost half a way between kappa Velorum and iota  Carinae, just east the line formed by these two stars.